Using state machines with XState and React

In the guide, the author explores the use of XState, a state management library for JavaScript applications, as a way to handle the complexity of application states efficiently, particularly in React. It explains the concept of finite state machines, which are mathematical models used to manage application states in a predictable and reliable manner. The guide walks through the implementation of a simple CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) bookstore application using XState to manage the application state, including adding, updating, and deleting books, with API interactions facilitated by Airtable. The use of XState allows developers to visually design and manage states, ensuring clear state transitions and robust application performance. The tutorial emphasizes the advantages of using state machines over the native React state management with useState, particularly in handling complex state transitions and maintaining a single state at any given time.